Throughout the last five years or so I have been blogging about an idea I worked on while a member of the Filene i3 group called MoneyWorks. When asked for a one sentence explanation of MoneyWorks, I would always reply that it was Tupperware parties for credit unions. The MoneyWorks program was implemented at FORUM Credit Union as Common Cents and has now morphed in to a program called the Unofficial Spokesperson or USP for short.

I recently heard a USP update from Andrew Spirrison, retail delivery guru here at FORUM CU, and asked him to write a quick update post for this blog. Here are his words…

“Anyone know a good mechanic? How about a reasonable CPA? Even better, ever talked to a USP?? What is a USP?? If you ask them where to go for all life’s financial needs their answer is simple – FORUM Credit Union.

USP’s are “Unofficial Spokespeople” that are proud FORUM members who are recommending the institution that has always been there to meet whatever financial life requirement that has come their way. It could be as simple as a basic checking account to a life financial plan.

FORUM USP’s exhibit the most genuine form of marketing available. If they didn’t believe in recommending FORUM to their neighbor or co-worker they simply wouldn’t do it. Just like the good mechanic or CPA… It is a proven fact…people like to tell people about a good thing.

As a token of FORUM’s appreciation, for every new member service that a USP refers they are paid $5 into an account in their name. In addition, we provide USP’s business cards, sponsor their events, attend meetings with them, conduct coffee hours, contests, publish regular updates and utilize a really cool tool to track their referrals.

Speaking of really cool….FORUM is getting applications from USP’s that represent charitable organizations. All funds raised from referring people to FORUM are being directed to a fund that will be donated to a charity of their choice!!

The FORUM USP program is growing fast…don’t be surprised if your neighbor stops you when cutting your lawn this weekend to tell you all about it.”